SOCCER SHORTS

Agencies

Sat, Jan 26, 2013 - Page 18

ENGLAND

United set to sign Zaha

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha is poised to sign for Manchester United in a ￡15 million (US$23.7 million) transfer, according to British media reports on Thursday. The 20-year-old was expected to undergo a medical examination with the Premier League leaders and then reportedly sign for United on a five-and-a-half-year deal, before being loaned back to second-tier Palace until the end of the current campaign. According to a report on the BBC Sport Web site, United will pay an initial fee of ￡10 million, which could rise to ￡15 million based on the number of appearances Zaha makes and the success he enjoys at the club. Born in the Ivory Coast, Zaha moved to England with his family at the age of four and joined Palace eight years later. He has made 124 appearances for the London club since making his debut in March 2010, scoring 15 goals, and made his England senior debut against Sweden in November last year.

England

Sissoko off to Newcastle

French Ligue 1 club Toulouse confirmed on Thursday the sale of midfielder Moussa Sissoko to English Premier League outfit Newcastle United with “immediate effect.” “Moussa Sissoko will not finish his contract with TFC,” which was due to expire in June, Toulouse announced in a statement. “Agreement has been reached with Newcastle for a permanent transfer which takes effect today.” Earlier on Thursday, a source close to the negotiations said that a deal was nearly complete that would see the French international move to Newcastle on a five-and-a-half-year contract. Sissoko had previously refused to leave the club this month or to extend his contract.

GERMANY

Macheda loaned to Stuttgart

Manchester United have loaned Italian striker Federico Macheda to VfB Stuttgart until the end of the season, the Bundesliga club announced on Thursday. Stuttgart coach Bruno Labbadia had wanted to add a striker to his squad this month, and Macheda arrives just before his team entertain bitter rivals, and Bundesliga leaders, Bayern Munich. Macheda, 21, has made just 22 Premier League appearances for United, scoring four goals, as well as four appearances in the Champions League. His existing contract with United runs until 2014, but the Rome-born player has already had loan spells with Sampdoria and Queens Park Rangers in the recent past. “I have followed the Bundesliga and naturally know about Stuttgart. I am glad that I can now play for the club,” Macheda told United’s Web site.

ITALY

Llorente to join Juventus

Italian champions Juventus have confirmed the signing of Spanish international striker Fernando Llorente, who will join the club after his contract with Athletic Bilbao ends this summer. Llorente, 27, will join Juventus on July 1 on a four-year deal, the Italian giants announced on Thursday. A statement from the club said: “Juventus can confirm that Spanish international striker Fernando Llorente will join the club on 1 July 2013. The 27-year-old has agreed terms on a four-year deal and will move to Turin when his Athletic Bilbao contract expires at the end of the current season.” Juventus already have four capable forwards in Mirko Vucinic, Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri. However the Bianconeri have been on the lookout for a towering striker with a proven goalscoring record as they continue their quest to challenge for top European honors.